New York: Researchers have found that nicotine, a non-carcinogenic chemical found in tobacco, actually promotes the spread of lung cancer cells into the brain where they can form deadly metastatic tumours. Smokers are far more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, the study said. “Based on our findings, we don’t think that nicotine replacement […]

New York: Researchers have found that nicotine, a non-carcinogenic chemical found in tobacco, actually promotes the spread of lung cancer cells into the brain where they can form deadly metastatic tumours.

Smokers are far more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, the study said.

“Based on our findings, we don’t think that nicotine replacement products are the safest way for people with lung cancer to stop smoking,” said study lead author Kounosuke Watabe from Wake Forest School of Medicine in the US.

Around 40 per cent of lung cancer patients also develop brain metastasis, but new research has found this number is dramatically higher among smokers.

In the study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the research team first examined 281 lung cancer patients and found that cigarette smokers exhibited a significantly higher incidence of brain cancer.

Then, using a mouse model, the researchers discovered that nicotine enhanced brain metastasis by crossing the blood-brain barrier to change the microglia – a type of immune cell in the brain – from being protective to supporting tumour growth.

The team then looked for drugs that might reverse the effects of nicotine and identified parthenolide, a naturally occurring substance in the medicinal herb feverfew, which blocked nicotine-induced brain metastasis in the mice.

Because feverfew has been used for years and is considered safe, the researchers believe parthenolide may provide a new approach to fight brain metastasis, particularly for patients who have smoked or still smoke.

“Currently, the only treatment for this devastating illness is radiation therapy,” Watabe said.

“Traditional chemotherapy drugs can’t cross the blood-brain barrier, but parthenolide can, and thus holds promise as a treatment or possibly even a way to prevent brain metastasis,” Watabe added.

In these days of COVID-19 pandemic when everyone has been forced to stay at home due to lockdown, maintaining ideal weight as well as boosting immunity is a top priority. So how can you lose weight and continue to boost immunity level? Here are the top 5 weight loss foods that are incredibly good at […]

In these days of COVID-19 pandemic when everyone has been forced to stay at home due to lockdown, maintaining ideal weight as well as boosting immunity is a top priority. So how can you lose weight and continue to boost immunity level? Here are the top 5 weight loss foods that are incredibly good at fulfilling both these purposes.

1. Oranges

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Oranges are juicy and are good for curbing your craving for sweets. It is rich in fiber and fills your stomach and hence highly recommended for weight loss. Apart from that, it is enriched with electrolytes and vitamin C which are both good for increasing the immune system. Incidentally, vitamin C has been an integral part of the treatment offered to the corona patients as it helps to eliminate cough and cold symptoms.

2. Yoghurt

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Rich in probiotics Yogurt is gut-friendly and helps in improving digestion. It is high in protein thereby contributing to muscle-development. Yoghurt reduces hunger pangs keeping your fuller for a long time. Importantly, it helps in maintaining the right acidic and alkaline level in the stomach thereby restricting the growth of microorganisms such as viruses in the body.

3. Garlic

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Garlic boosts energy levels thereby keeping you stronger even when you are feeling low due to bad health. It helps in burning extra calories, boosts metabolism, suppresses appetite, and thus prevents you from overeating. Eating raw garlic with honey helps weight loss and also restricts the growth of unwanted bacteria’s in the body thereby keeping you away from occasional bouts of seasonal fevers and health issues.

4. Chicken Soup

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A hot broth is what you need to keep the coronavirus from reaching your lungs and taking control of your body. Health experts have been advising people to increase their intake of hot water to ensure that the virus if somehow reaches you should directly go to the stomach and its spread can be prevented. Chicken broth helps to ease down the congestion in the chest and nose and its rich protein content heals you slowly.
It is a low-fat recipe good for those who do not want to add extra calories while increasing their immunity level.

5. Honey And Tea

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Honey has remarkable health-benefitting properties. It is rich in antioxidants and a great healer. Whenever you are sick a concoction of hot and steamy foods or herbs with a dash of honey can always work wonders. It soothes your sore throats (which is one of the symptoms of COVID-19) and boosts immunity. You can add different herbs like basil leaves or chamomile to make an herbal tea with honey and a dash of lime that is perfect for weight loss as well as boosting immunity levels.

New York: Although the impact of inhaling polluted air on the lungs is well known, now the researchers have revealed that it can pose a serious threat to brain health as well. The study, published in the journal Chemical & Engineering News, details how researchers are connecting air pollution to dementia, autism and other neurological […]

New York: Although the impact of inhaling polluted air on the lungs is well known, now the researchers have revealed that it can pose a serious threat to brain health as well.

The study, published in the journal Chemical & Engineering News, details how researchers are connecting air pollution to dementia, autism and other neurological diseases.

Air pollution has become a fact of modern life, with a majority of the global population facing chronic exposure and scientists at American Chemical Society in the US are now beginning to understand how it affects the brain.

Arising from vehicle emissions, power plants and factories, air pollution is a complex soup of gases, metals, organic contaminants and other materials.

“Over 90 per cent of the world’s population is continually exposed to particulate matter (PM) pollution, which is known to penetrate deep into the lungs, at levels above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines,” Contributing Editor Janet Pelley, wrote.

“Inhaling these substances causes inflammation, which is the body’s healthy response to injury or infection, but over time chronic inflammation can damage healthy tissues,” Pelley added.

Although the correlation between PM and lung damage is clear, scientists believe that these harmful particles can also impact the brain, either directly or indirectly.

In a recent study, infant mice exposed to air pollution showed altered social behaviours similar to those of autistic children.

Postmortem observations revealed inflammation and other abnormalities in the mice’s brains resembling changes seen in children with autism.

Researchers suspect that iron particles in PM could play a role, as they are known to cause cell death in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

In mice, inflammation caused by breathing polluted air also appears to boost the production of amyloid plaques, the sticky protein fragments associated with neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.

While the evidence is mounting that air pollution can pose a serious threat to brain health, scientists emphasize that their research must coincide with policy changes to reduce pollution worldwide.

Last month, another study, presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress, revealed that air pollution could be a risk factor for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) among people residing in urbanised areas.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.

Hong Kong: The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) medications such as alendronate widely used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis are linked with lower risks of pneumonia and of dying from pneumonia, say researchers. Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or […]

Hong Kong: The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) medications such as alendronate widely used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis are linked with lower risks of pneumonia and of dying from pneumonia, say researchers.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.

“The objective of this work was to study the risk of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality among patients receiving N-BPs medications, non-N-BP medications, and no anti-osteoporosis medications after hip fracture,” the study authors from the University of Hong Kong wrote.

Results from previous animal studies indicate that N-BP treatment leads to a high concentration of N-BPs in the respiratory tract.

For the current findings, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the research team included 4,041 patients with hip fractures who received N-BPs and 11,802 who did not.

Over a median follow-up time of 2.7 years, The findings showed that N-BPs was associated with a 24 per cent lower risk of pneumonia compared with no treatment (69 versus 90 cases per 1,000 people per year).

A similar association was observed with pneumonia mortality, with a 35 per cent lower risk associated with N-BPs (23 versus 35 per 1,000 patients per year for the N-BP and non-N-BP groups, respectively), the researchers said.

Together with its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties, this may explain why N-BPs were associated with reduced risk of pneumonia, as revealed in our study,” said study senior author Ching-Lung Cheung from the University of Hong Kong.

He added that studying the potential of N-BPs for treating symptoms of COVID-19 may be warranted.

New York: Female college students are more likely to depend on alcohol to improve mental well-being, say researchers, adding that the young women appear to be more affected by high alcohol use than men, which may lead to less interest in academics. “Cognitive aptitudes of young women appear to be more affected than for men […]

New York: Female college students are more likely to depend on alcohol to improve mental well-being, say researchers, adding that the young women appear to be more affected by high alcohol use than men, which may lead to less interest in academics.

“Cognitive aptitudes of young women appear to be more affected than for men with high alcohol use,” said study lead author Lina Begdache, Assistant Professor at Binghamton University in the US.

“These behaviours are regulated by the limbic system of the brain. However, the cognitive functions for high alcohol use among the young men and women were different,” Begdache added.

For the findings, published in the journal Trends in Neuroscience and Education, researchers sought to compare neurobehaviours and academic effort among college students with low alcohol use with those of high alcohol consumption and build conceptual models that represent the integration of the different variables.

They sent an anonymous survey to assess college students’ alcohol use and frequency along with questions on sleep, academic performance and attitude toward learning. They compared gender responses and found that both young men and women exhibit common behavioural responses to high alcohol use such as abuse of other substances and risk-taking.

The findings showed that young women reported generally less interest in the academic work and performance than young men. The latter reported more risky behaviours, such as being arrested, from excessive drinking.

The study also found that young women are more likely to depend on alcohol to improve mental well-being, which is also concerning, as they may self-medicate through drinking. In both genders, the researchers reported an increase in impulsive behaviours, which are under the control of the limbic system (the oldest part of the brain, evolutionary speaking).

Another reason for the difference seen is the differential metabolism of alcohol. Women metabolise alcohol at a slower rate, therefore, they are more likely to feel the effect of alcohol. Consequently, their brain is more likely to accumulate a toxic metabolite, acetaldehyde, which may be altering brain chemistry further to add to the differential behaviours identified in this study.

“Academic performance and risky behaviours among college students may be linked to their drinking habits, so more education and awareness should be shared with college students,” said Begdache.

“These findings are also explained by the fact that women tend to have higher connectivity between cortices, while men have a large cortical volume in the areas on the limbic system that support impulsivity,” Begdache added.

New York: Eating higher intake of high-quality carbohydrates, especially from whole grains, are associated with a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, say researchers. “High intake of carbohydrates has been suggested to be associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes,” said study lead author Kim Braun from Harvard University in the US. For […]

New York: Researchers have found that despite containing essential nutrients, dairy products do not benefit lumbar spine or femoral neck bone density, nor do they protect against fracture risk in women. The study, based on data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) shows that during the menopause transition, when bone loss […]

New York: Researchers have found that despite containing essential nutrients, dairy products do not benefit lumbar spine or femoral neck bone density, nor do they protect against fracture risk in women.

The study, based on data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) shows that during the menopause transition, when bone loss is accelerated, they offer little benefit in preventing bone mineral density loss or fractures.

According to the study, published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), as women enter the menopause transition, bone loss accelerates and may lead to osteoporosis.

The SWAN data revealed that this bone loss is not slowed down by the consumption of dairy products nor is fracture risk mitigated.

For the findings, the current study specifically looked at the effect of dairy intake on femoral and spine bone mineral density.

It is one of the few studies dedicated to examining how dairy consumption affects a woman’s risk of bone loss and fractures across the menopause transition.

Because two of the greatest risk factors for osteoporosis — age and sex — are beyond a woman’s control, there is an increased focus on possible modifiable risk factors to slow this irreversible, age-related, progressive, degenerative skeletal disease that makes a woman more susceptible to bone fractures.

The findings showed that women are at greater risk for osteoporosis than men, and the risk increases significantly as women age.

This study adds to the existing data suggesting a lack of benefit from the dairy intake on bone mineral density and fracture risk.

“There are many other health benefits of a Mediterranean-type diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean protein such as fish and low-fat dairy,” said study researcher Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director.

In addition, regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or jogging, can help maintain bone strength, and activities that improve strength and balance, such as yoga and tai chi, may help prevent falls,” Faubion added.

London: An individualised and family-based physical activity and dietary intervention may reduce the plasma LDL cholesterol concentration of primary school children, say researchers. The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, explored the effects of an individualised and family-based physical activity and dietary intervention on the plasma lipids of more than 500 Finnish children […]

London: An individualised and family-based physical activity and dietary intervention may reduce the plasma LDL cholesterol concentration of primary school children, say researchers.

The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, explored the effects of an individualised and family-based physical activity and dietary intervention on the plasma lipids of more than 500 Finnish children aged between 6 and 8 years at baseline.

The researchers were also interested in which components of the lifestyle intervention had the greatest impact of plasma lipids.

“The LDL cholesterol concentration of children from families who participated in the lifestyle intervention was slightly reduced during the two-year follow-up, whereas no similar change was observed in children in the control group,” said study researcher Aino-Maija Eloranta from the University of Eastern Finland.

“The lifestyle intervention did not have an impact on other plasma lipids,” Eloranta added.

During the two-year follow-up, families participated in six individualised dietary and physical activity counselling sessions. The sessions were individually tailored to each family and they focused on improving the quality of the family’s diet, increasing physical activity and reducing screen time.

In addition, children were encouraged to participate in weekly after-school exercise clubs. Children’s plasma lipids were analysed at the beginning and at the end of the study.

The study showed that increasing the consumption of high-fat vegetable oil-based spreads and decreasing the consumption of butter-based spreads played the most important role in decreasing the LDL cholesterol concentration.

Replacing high-fat milk with low-fat milk, and doing more physical activity, also explained some of the decreases in the LDL cholesterol concentration.

Having an elevated LDL cholesterol concentration in childhood may predict artery wall thickening in adulthood, the researchers said. The results of the findings thus suggest that a family-based dietary and physical activity intervention may prevent the development of atherosclerosis in adulthood.

New York: A team of US researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist revealed that just a few months of vaping may put healthy people on the brink of oral disease. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, found that the collection of oral bacteria in daily e-cigarette users’ mouths is teeming with potent infection-causing […]

New York: A team of US researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist revealed that just a few months of vaping may put healthy people on the brink of oral disease.

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, found that the collection of oral bacteria in daily e-cigarette users’ mouths is teeming with potent infection-causing organisms that put vapers at substantial risk for ailments ranging from gum disease to cancer.

In some cases, though the study participants didn’t have an active disease, their bacterial composition resembled that of people with periodontitis, a gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and even be a risk factor for heart and lung disease. The damaging effects were seen with or without nicotine, leading the researchers to suggest that the heated and pressurised liquids in e-cigarette cartridges create the right environment for a dangerous combination of microbes.

“Vaping is such a big assault on the oral environment, and the change happens dramatically and over a short period of time,” said study senior author Purnima Kumar from the Ohio State University.

“Knowing the vaping profile is pathogen-rich, you’re not doing yourself any favours by using vaping to quit smoking,” she added.

For the findings, the research team collected plaque samples from under the gums of 123 people who showed no current signs of oral disease: 25 smokers, 25 nonsmokers, 20 e-cigarette users, 25 former smokers using e-cigarettes and 28 people maintaining both cigarette smoking and vaping habits at the same time.

The bacteria below the gums are the last line of defence against disease because they are the least likely to be disrupted by environmental changes in the mouth, such as food, toothpaste and tobacco.

The research team conducted DNA deep sequencing of the bacteria genomes to identify not just the types of microbes living in those mouths, but also what their functions were.The profile of the oral microbiome in the vapers who had never smoked, who were young (age 21-35) and healthy and had used e-cigarettes for four to 12 months, was startling to the researchers.

Particularly concerning were the levels of stress in the microbial community, which were detected by the activation of genes that contribute to the creation of a mucus-like slime layer surrounding bacterial communities.The immune system is used to seeing assembled bacteria look like clearly defined communities, but Kumar said that in e-cigarette users, these communities cloaked in slime look like foreign invaders and trigger a destructive inflammatory response. This change in the microbial landscape, accompanied by higher levels of proteins in vapers’ mouths, signalled that the immune system was on standby to activate and produce inflammation” exponentially increasing the likelihood for the disease, the study noted.

London: Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have found that the lack of adequate ventilation in many indoor environments – from the workplace to the home – increases the risk of airborne transmission of Covid-19. In a study, published in the City and Environment Interaction journal, experts from the University of Surrey (UK) said that preventing […]

London: Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have found that the lack of adequate ventilation in many indoor environments – from the workplace to the home – increases the risk of airborne transmission of Covid-19.

In a study, published in the City and Environment Interaction journal, experts from the University of Surrey (UK) said that preventing airborne transmission of Covid-19 should be the next front of the battle against the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the infectious spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) a pandemic after its initial outbreak in Wuhan (China). “These past months, living through the Covid-19 crisis, has been truly unprecedented, but we must turn this global tragedy into an opportunity to better prepare for similar threats,” said study author Prashant Kumar, Professor at the University of Surrey.

Improved indoor ventilation is an important step that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.

“However, more must be done to recognise and understand the airborne transmission of Covid-19 and similar viruses, to minimise the build-up of virus-laden air in places typically containing high densities of people,” Kumar added.

According to the researchers, Covid-19, like many viruses, is less than 100 mn in size but expiratory droplets (from people who have coughed or sneezed) contain water, salts and other organic material, along with the virus itself.

Experts have noted that as the water content from the droplets evaporates, the microscopic matter becomes small and light enough to stay suspended in the air and overtime the concentration of the virus will build-up, increasing the risk of infection – particularly if the air is stagnant like in many indoor environments.

The study highlights improving building ventilation as a possible route to tackling indoor transmission of Covid-19. “We discuss the need to acknowledge the airborne spread of COVID-19 inside built spaces under eased movement restrictions and the potential steps that can be taken to control it,” the study authors wrote.

As of Friday morning, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 5.8 million, while the deaths have increased to more than 360,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.

London: Drinking coffee may help reduce the risk of certain digestive disorders, including gallstone disease and pancreatitis, a new study has suggested. The study from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) also highlighted other beneficial effects that coffee consumption may have on the process of digestion, including supporting gut microflora and promoting gut […]

London: Drinking coffee may help reduce the risk of certain digestive disorders, including gallstone disease and pancreatitis, a new study has suggested.

The study from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) also highlighted other beneficial effects that coffee consumption may have on the process of digestion, including supporting gut microflora and promoting gut motility.

“Data indicates benefits against common digestive complaints such as constipation, as well as a potential reduction in the risk of more serious conditions like chronic liver diseases,” said study author Carlo La Vecchia from the University of Milan in Italy.

Gallstone disease is a common digestive disorder, caused by the accumulation of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct, which affects approximately 10-15 per cent of the adult population.

While the mechanism by which coffee may protect against gallstone disease is not yet known, it has been observed that the risk for the condition declines with increasing daily consumption of coffee, the researchers said.

Caffeine is thought to play a role in these associations, as the same effect is not observed with decaffeinated coffee.

A common question among consumers and focus area for research is whether coffee is associated with heartburn or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

While a small number of studies have suggested an association between coffee drinking and GORD, the majority of studies reviewed suggest that coffee is not a major trigger of these conditions.

The report also reviewed a growing area of health and nutrition research, namely: the effect of coffee on the gut microflora (microorganism populations).

New Delhi: Smoking and tobacco use can have a serious impact on the fertility of both men and women, and consequently the quality of life in pregnancy. If a woman is a regular smoker, then it has a double effect on a woman’s fertility. Smoking can harm both the eggs and the uterus. It not […]

New Delhi: Smoking and tobacco use can have a serious impact on the fertility of both men and women, and consequently the quality of life in pregnancy.

If a woman is a regular smoker, then it has a double effect on a woman’s fertility. Smoking can harm both the eggs and the uterus. It not only affects her egg quality but can also have an endometrial effect. Many studies too have shown that smoking can have negative effects on fertility, notes Dr Apurva Satish Amarnath, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility.

“In women, smoking decreases in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) pregnancy rates by about half. Smoking also increases miscarriage rates. smoking also reduces the egg reserve of the woman which is not a reversible condition. For instance, if we are to compare two women with the same characteristics in terms of egg quality, quantity, BMI, AMH-level, among others, the chances are that the non-smoking woman will conceive faster than the smoking woman. If a woman quits smoking completely, then the chances of conception improve and the risk of miscarriage reduces,” Dr Apurva told IANSlife ahead of the International Anti-Tobacco Day on May 31.

From the male’s perspective, the carcinogen quality of cigarettes, in general, affects the motility of the sperm and excessive smoking can lead to the poor sperm count and other fertility problems. As compared to females, the condition can be reversible.

If a man completely gives up smoking the quality of his sperms can improve, resulting in his fertility improving in a span of 3-6 months after quitting completely, she said.

Smoking During Pregnancy

According to Dr Sandeep Chadha, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida, smoking during pregnancy is dangerous for both mother and the baby.

If a mother smokes, the 4,000 harmful chemicals present in each cigarette passes directly to the baby through the mother’s bloodstreams. In such cases, the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage goes up beside an increased risk of low birth weight, baby’s heart rate, breathing problem and premature delivery, Dr Sandeep told IANSlife.

These risks to the baby multiply with the number of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy. Not only for babies, but tobacco smoking is also harmful to the mother, increasing her risk of cancers, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, and other conditions.

Passive Smoking And Childbirth

A study has presented that exposure to secondhand smoke was associated with lower IQs in children. For babies exposed to secondhand smoke, there is an increase in risk for developing asthma attacks, breathing problems, ear infections, impaired lung development, and coughing.

Children exposed to secondhand smoke require more ear tube surgeries than those who are not exposed. Sudden infant death syndrome is more common in babies born to women who smoked during pregnancy as well as in babies exposed to secondhand smoke. Exposure to second-hand smoking by pregnant mothers is similar to first-hand smoking.

If you are planning to conceive, it’s better for the couple to kick the butt as early as possible.

New Delhi: As social distancing and staying at home have become the “new normal” in the current scenario of COVID times, it is important for pregnant women to keep a calm mind, continue their checkups with doctors on online sessions, and be open about their concerns, say experts. “With all the uncertainty around, one of […]

New Delhi: As social distancing and staying at home have become the “new normal” in the current scenario of COVID times, it is important for pregnant women to keep a calm mind, continue their checkups with doctors on online sessions, and be open about their concerns, say experts.

“With all the uncertainty around, one of the best things that you can do is be positive and practice ways that will help ensure your and your baby’s well-being,” said Dr Prathibha Babshet, Ayurveda Expert, R&D, The Himalaya Drug Company.

“This is possible by taking care of your mental health and keeping a calm mind. Pregnancy during the pandemic is certainly hard but not impossible. It is advisable to stay home as much as possible to avoid crowded spaces and follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines,” she said.

While pregnancy care may look a little different now than it used to earlier, here are a few tips to approach these changes:

Try to establish a daily routine of activities in a way that it becomes a new normal in your life. From your diet, meditation, and yoga, to skincare, getting adequate sleep, and regular medical checkups, make a list of all the things you do in a day and prioritise them.

If you need to step out for work or a checkup, remember to maintain social distancing and wear a mask and carry a sanitizer, as this can help reduce the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria.

Frequent checkups during pregnancy are vital for the mother and baby. So, check with your gynaecologist on online sessions for these checkups. If you are due to deliver, understand and be open about the delivery options and post-natal care.

Indulge in a soothing massage using a massage oil; this will help promote blood circulation. You can also opt for a body butter that will help with dry skin issues. Whatever routine you follow, do remember to use products containing herbal actives and that are free from chemicals, she added.

Your baby gets nutrients from what you eat. Avoid binge-eating. Make it a priority to stick to a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, and drink at least 8-10 glasses of water.

If you enjoy cooking, look up simple recipes online for a healthy immune system.

Manage your stress in different ways — practice breathing exercises to calm yourself and indulge in new hobbies or rediscover old ones. You can also take online courses on playing an instrument, learning a new language, or anything you have always wanted to do. You may also enjoy planning things for your baby’s arrival, like decorating a nursery.

Talk to your doctor if you are anxious about your baby being exposed to the virus during breastfeeding. Always clean your nipple area before and after breastfeeding. Sanitise your hands, and the place around your baby, frequently.

In addition to following these tips, read and be aware of the potential symptoms of the virus and take preventive measures.

Avoid reading negative news about the current situation, which might cause anxiety.

Instead, use the screen time to talk to your friends and family, or watch something you enjoy. This will keep you happy and occupied.

New York: In women with history of miscarriage, higher levels of physical activity have been associated with a greater risk of subclinical, or very early pregnancy loss, warn researchers. The study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, found that there was roughly a two-fold higher risk of very early pregnancy loss for women who […]

New York: In women with history of miscarriage, higher levels of physical activity have been associated with a greater risk of subclinical, or very early pregnancy loss, warn researchers.

The study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, found that there was roughly a two-fold higher risk of very early pregnancy loss for women who were highly active compared to those who were less active.

“Risk related to physical activity is different for pregnancy failure close to the time of implantation compared with that for later, clinical pregnancy loss,” said study lead author Lindsey Russo from the University of Massachusetts in the US.

“The implantation period may represent a time of vulnerability, when high-strain activity could pose a risk for subclinical, or very early pregnancy loss,” Russo added.

Subclinical pregnancy loss can be difficult to detect because they may occur before a woman is even aware that she’s pregnant.

For the findings, the research team recruited women between 18 and 40 years old with one or two pregnancy losses who were trying to conceive from 2007 to 2011.

The study participants used home pregnancy tests that were combined with information from laboratory tests for pregnancy confirmed by a rise in the hormone hCG, which is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy.

Among 785 women who became pregnant, 188 (23.9 per cent) experienced pregnancy loss, including 55 subclinical losses detected only from hCG testing in biospecimens.

The researcher noted that, according to recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be encouraged to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises before, during and after pregnancy.”

The study suggests that women who have lost a pregnancy may want to avoid high-strain activity in the earliest stage of a subsequent pregnancy, or around the time of trying to become pregnant.

New York: Parents and caregivers, read this carefully. Researchers have found that not all children grow out of being ‘picky eaters’ and parents’ efforts to change the habit may make it worse. By age four, children can become established picky eaters, according to findings published in the journal Pediatrics. “Picky eating is common during childhood […]

New York: Parents and caregivers, read this carefully. Researchers have found that not all children grow out of being ‘picky eaters’ and parents’ efforts to change the habit may make it worse.

By age four, children can become established picky eaters, according to findings published in the journal Pediatrics.

“Picky eating is common during childhood and parents often hear that their children will eventually ‘grow out of it.’

But there’s a silver lining for worried parents — while fussy eaters have a lower body mass index, most are still in the healthy range and not underweight, researchers said.

They may also be less likely to be overweight or experience obesity than peers.

“We still want parents to encourage varied diets at young ages, but our study suggests that they can take a less controlling approach,” Pesch said.

The study followed 317 mother-child pairs from low-income homes over a four-year period.

Families reported on children’s eating habits and mothers’ behaviours and attitudes about feeding when the children were four, five, six, eight and nine.

Picky eating was stable from preschool to school-age, indicating that any attempts to expand food preferences may need to occur in the toddler or preschool years to be most effective.

The findings showed that high picky eating was associated with lower BMIs and low picky eating was associated with higher BMIs.

The pickiest eaters also were often associated with increased pressure to eat and restriction on certain types of foods.

Certain child characteristics, including sex, birth order, and socioeconomic status, also have been associated with persistence of picky eating.

“We found that children who were pickier had mothers who reported more restriction of unhealthy foods and sweets,” Pesch said.

“These mothers of picky eaters may be trying to shape their children’s preferences for more palatable and selective diets to be more healthful. But it may not always have the desired effect,” Pesch added.

London: A new study has claimed that young adults aged between 16 and 24 may have a six-fold increased risk of epilepsy-related death, a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. The study, presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress, found that mortality rates for epilepsy-related […]

London: A new study has claimed that young adults aged between 16 and 24 may have a six-fold increased risk of epilepsy-related death, a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.

The study, presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress, found that mortality rates for epilepsy-related deaths did not decrease between 2009 (6.8 per 100,000) and 2015 (9.1 per 100,000), despite advances in treatment during this time.

Young adult patients in their early 20s and 30s were found to be at the highest risk, with 78 per cent of epilepsy-related deaths under the age of 55 years classified as potentially avoidable.

The study, being conducted in Scotland, aims to identify the burden of epilepsy-related deaths, what proportion of these are potentially avoidable, and ascertain the factors that may put patients at an increased risk.

“Epilepsy patients are at a higher risk of early death than the general population, but reasons for this are unclear,” said study researcher Gashirai Mbizvo from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

“We hope that we can use this data to learn lessons and reduce the burden of epilepsy-related deaths in the future, many of which we believe are likely to be avoidable,” Mbizvo added.

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people globally, making it one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide.

For the findings, the researchers collected anonymous data from healthcare settings for patients that died between 2009 and 2016, identifying 2,149 epilepsy-related deaths.

At least 60 per cent of these patients (1,276) had one or more seizure-related or epilepsy-related hospital admission in the years prior to death, yet less than a quarter (516) were seen in a neurology clinic.

The most common causes of death within the study were sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), aspiration pneumonia, cardiac arrest, congenital malformation and alcohol-related deaths.

The data will be compared with data from living patients with epilepsy of the same age and gender.

“Highlighting such risk factors, and identifying those that could be prevented, might lead to changes in epilepsy care and, ultimately, fewer epilepsy-related deaths in the future,” the researchers noted.

]]>adults, epilepsy, Epilepsy Death, Epilepsy-Related Death, Neurological disease, seizures, young, young adults2020-05-25 16:08:54https://img.odishatv.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Epilepsy-in-Young-Adults.jpgObesity Not Related To How Close You Live To Fast Food Outletshttps://odishatv.in/health/obesity-not-related-to-how-close-you-live-to-fast-food-outlets-453333
Sun, 24 May 2020 08:55:41 +0000https://odishatv.in/?p=453333

London: There is no correlation between obesity and how close you live to fast food restaurants or gyms as previous studies have indicated that these factors may be important in adult obesity, say researchers. According to the study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, the areas where we live are known to be important for […]

London: There is no correlation between obesity and how close you live to fast food restaurants or gyms as previous studies have indicated that these factors may be important in adult obesity, say researchers.

According to the study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, the areas where we live are known to be important for our health. For example, obesity is more prevalent in deprived neighbourhoods.

Deprived neighbourhoods are typically defined by low socio-economic levels, e.g., low average income and high unemployment rates, the researchers said.

The reason why obesity is more prevalent in such neighbourhoods have been a topic of interest among both researchers and policymakers for a long time, and commercial facilities, like fast food outlets and physical activity facilities, have attracted much research attention and debate.

“However, our large-scale study in Sweden, using longitudinal national registry data of more than 1.5 million adults, did not find a statistically significant association between these two types of facilities and obesity”, explained Kenta Okuyama from the Lund University in Sweden.

The researchers said that it is unlikely that the availability of fast food outlets or lack of gyms is causes of obesity in Swedish adults.

Although reducing fast food outlets or introducing physical activity facilities might, in theory, promote healthy eating and exercise, it may not be very effective in all countries and regions.

“Because the contexts vary by its culture and lifestyle that may affect how often people utilize these facilities in their daily lives”, Okuyama said.

During the findings, the researchers did show a correlation between neighbourhood deprivation and obesity.

“The next goal is to investigate further what other factors can possibly impact the risk of obesity in Sweden”, Okuyama concluded.

London: Researchers have revealed that people who are socially isolated are over 40 per cent more likely to have a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, than those who were socially integrated. The study also found that those who are socially isolated are almost 50 per cent more likely to die from […]

London: Researchers have revealed that people who are socially isolated are over 40 per cent more likely to have a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, than those who were socially integrated.

The study also found that those who are socially isolated are almost 50 per cent more likely to die from any cause.

“We have known for some time that feeling lonely or lacking contact with close friends and family can have an impact on your physical health,” said study researcher Dr Janine Gronewold from University Hospital in Essen, Germany.

“What this study tells us is that having strong social relationships is of high importance for your heart health and similar to the role of classical protective factors such as having a healthy blood pressure, acceptable cholesterol levels, and normal weight,” Gronewold added.

For the findings, the researchers analysed data from 4,316 individuals (average age 59.1 years) who were recruited into the large community-based study between 2000 and 2003.

The participants entered the study with no known cardiovascular disease and they were followed for an average of 13 years.

At the start of the research, information was collected on different types of social support, with social integration assessed based on marital status and cohabitation, contact with close friends and family, and membership of the political, religious, community, sports or professional organisations.

During the 13.4 years of follow-up, 339 cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes occurred, and there were 530 deaths among the study participants.

After adjusting for other factors that might have contributed to these events and deaths (for example, standard cardiovascular risk factors), a lack of social integration was found to increase the future risk of cardiovascular events by 44 per cent and to increase the risk of death from all causes by 47 per cent.

The findings showed that a lack of financial support was associated with a 30 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular events.

“This observation is of particular interest in the present discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic, where social contacts are or have been relevantly restricted in most societies,” Gronewold said.

“We need to take this seriously, work out how social relationships affect our health, and find effective ways of tackling the problems associated with social isolation to improve our overall health and longevity,” said study researcher Dirk M Hermann.

The study is scheduled to be presented on May 23 at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress.

Last month, another research published in the journal Thorax, found that social isolation is linked to a heightened risk of hospital admission for respiratory disease among older adults.

London: Researchers have found that patients with Covid-19 may develop an inflammatory thyroid disease called subacute thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory thyroid disease characterised by neck pain and is usually preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection. According to a new case study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, it may […]

London: Researchers have found that patients with Covid-19 may develop an inflammatory thyroid disease called subacute thyroiditis.

Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory thyroid disease characterised by neck pain and is usually preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection.

According to a new case study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, it may be caused by a viral infection or a post-viral inflammatory reaction, and many viruses have been linked to the disease.

SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) has emerged as a pandemic with severe respiratory symptoms and may involve other organs. More than five million cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed worldwide.

“We reported the first case of subacute thyroiditis after SARS-CoV-2 infection,” said study researcher Francesco Latrofa from University Hospital of Pisa in Italy.

“Physicians should be alerted about the possibility of this additional clinical manifestation related to Covid-19,” Latrofa added.

For the findings, the clinicians examined an 18-year-old woman who was infected with Covid-19 after being exposed by her father.

She completely recovered from Covid-19, testing negative a few days later, but started experiencing some additional symptoms. The young woman had neck and thyroid pain, fever and an increased heart rate. She was sent back to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis. She had normal thyroid functioning and imaging just one month earlier, the researchers said.

“Because of the chronological association, SARS-CoV-2 may be considered accountable for the onset of subacute thyroiditis,” Latrofa said.

As of Friday morning, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has surged to over 5.1 million, while the death toll stood at 332,900, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

London: The vast majority of young people who self-harm or experience suicidal thoughts appear to have only mild or moderate mental distress, according to researchers. Measures to reduce suicide risk in young people should focus on the whole population, not just those who are most distressed, depressed or anxious, said Cambridge University researchers during Mental […]

London: The vast majority of young people who self-harm or experience suicidal thoughts appear to have only mild or moderate mental distress, according to researchers.

Measures to reduce suicide risk in young people should focus on the whole population, not just those who are most distressed, depressed or anxious, said Cambridge University researchers during Mental Health Awareness week.

“It appears that self-harm and suicidal thinking among young people dramatically increases well within the normal or non-clinical range of mental distress,” said study senior author Peter Jones from Cambridge University in the UK.

The findings, published in the BMJ Open, show that public policy strategies to reduce suicide should support better mental health for all young people, not only those who are most unwell.

Previous studies have suggested that a broad range of mental health problems like depression anxiety, and low self-esteem can be measured together as levels of common mental distress (CMD).

In the current study, the research team used a series of questionnaires to analyse common mental distress in two large groups of young people between the ages of 14 and 24.

They also collected self-reported data on suicidal thinking and non-suicidal self-injury, both predictive markers for increased risk of suicide.

CMD scores increase in three significant increments above the population average: mild mental distress, followed by moderate, and finally severe distress and beyond – which often manifests as a diagnosable mental health disorder.

The findings showed that those with severe mental distress came out highest for risk of suicide.

However, the majority of all participants experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harming – 78 per cent and 76 per cent respectively in the first sample, 66 per cent and 71 per cent in the second-ranked as having either mild or moderate levels of mental distress.

“It is well known that for many physical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, small improvements in the risks of the overall population translate into more lives saved, rather than focusing only on those at extremely high risk,” said Jones.

“This is called the ‘prevention paradox’, and we believe our study is the first evidence that mental health could be viewed in the same way. We need both public health and a clinical approach to suicide risk,” the researchers noted.

Meanwhile, a recent study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that COVID-19 pandemic may cause serious physical and mental health problems.

San Francisco: An antibody first identified in a blood sample from a patient who recovered from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 has demonstrated ability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 live virus infection of cells in laboratory, says a study, raising new hope in the fight against COVID-19. The antibody, called S309, is now on a […]

San Francisco: An antibody first identified in a blood sample from a patient who recovered from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 has demonstrated ability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 live virus infection of cells in laboratory, says a study, raising new hope in the fight against COVID-19.

The antibody, called S309, is now on a fast-track development and testing path at San Francisco-headquartered Vir Biotechnology in the next step toward possible clinical trials.

The initial results, published in the journal Nature, could ultimately pave the way for using the S309 antibody, alone or in a mixture, as a preventive measure for people at high risk of exposure to coronavirus or as post-exposure therapy to limit or treat severe illness, according to the scientists.

“We still need to show that this antibody is protective in living systems, which has not yet been done,” said study co-author David Veesler, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“Right now there are no approved tools or licensed therapeutics proven to fight against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” he added.

Vir Biotechnology in a separate statement said it is advancing two clinical development candidates based on the S309 antibody as potential therapeutics for COVID-19 — VIR-7831 and VIR-7832 — in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline plc.

The research showed that the S309 antibody is particularly potent at targeting and disabling the spike protein that promotes the coronavirus entry into cells.

It was able to neutralise SARS CoV-2 by engaging with a section of the spike protein near the attachment site to the host cell.

Through their cryo-electron microscopy studies and binding assays, the researchers learned that the S309 antibody recognises a binding site on the coronavirus that is conserved across many sarbocoviruses, not just the SARS and COVID-19 viruses.

That is probably why this antibody, instead of being single-minded, is able to act against related coronaviruses.Combining the S309 antibody with other, though weaker, antibodies identified in the recovered SARS patient enhanced the neutralisation of the COVID-19 coronavirus, said the study.

This multiple antibody cocktail approach might help limit the coronavirus’ ability to form mutants capable of escaping a single-ingredient antibody treatment, according to the researchers.

“Remarkably, we believe S309 likely covers the entire family of related coronaviruses, which suggests that, even as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, it may be quite challenging for it to become resistant to the neutralizing activity of S309,” Herbert “Skip” Virgin, Chief Scientific Officer, Vir, said in a statement.

“In addition, S309 exhibits potent effector function in vitro, potentially allowing the antibody to engage and recruit the rest of the immune system to kill off already infected cells.”

London: Eating at least two daily servings of dairy-rich diet is linked to lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as the cluster of factors that heighten cardiovascular disease risk (metabolic syndrome), say researchers. Dairy products included milk, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, cheese and dishes prepared with dairy products, and were classified as […]

London: Eating at least two daily servings of dairy-rich diet is linked to lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as the cluster of factors that heighten cardiovascular disease risk (metabolic syndrome), say researchers.

Dairy products included milk, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, cheese and dishes prepared with dairy products, and were classified as full or low fat (1-2 per cent).

Butter and cream were assessed separately as these are not commonly eaten in some of the countries studied.

The observed associations were strongest for full-fat dairy products, indicated the findings published in the journal The BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.

For the study, researchers drew on people taking part in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.

Participants were all aged between 35 and 70 and came from 21 countries including in India.

Usual dietary intake over the previous 12 months was assessed by means of Food Frequency Questionnaires.

Dairy products included milk, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, cheese and dishes prepared with dairy products, and were classified as full or low fat (1-2 per cent).

Butter and cream were assessed separately as these are not commonly eaten in some of the countries studied.

Data on all five components of the metabolic syndrome were available for nearly 113,000 people: blood pressure, waist circumference, low levels of high-density cholesterol; blood fats and fasting blood glucose.

Some 46,667 people had metabolic syndrome – defined as having at least three of the five components.

The findings showed that total dairy and full-fat dairy, but not low-fat dairy, was associated with a lower prevalence of most components of metabolic syndrome, with the size of the association greatest in those countries with normally low dairy intakes.

At least two servings a day of total dairy were associated with a 24 per cent lower risk of metabolic syndrome, rising to 28 per cent for full-fat dairy alone, compared with no daily dairy intake.

The health of nearly 190,000 participants was also tracked for an average of nine years, during which time 13,640 people developed high blood pressure and 5351 developed diabetes.

At least two servings a day of total dairy was associated with an 11-12 per cent lower risk of both conditions, rising to a 13-14 per cent lower risk for 3 daily servings.

“If our findings are confirmed in sufficiently large and long term trials, then increasing dairy consumption may represent a feasible and low-cost approach to reducing metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and ultimately cardiovascular disease events worldwide,” the authors wrote.

New York: Researchers have found that patients with peripheral artery disease or stroke were less likely to receive recommended treatments to prevent heart attack than those with coronary artery disease. All three are types of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Depending on the location of the blockage, atherosclerosis increases the risk for three serious conditions: coronary artery […]

New York: Researchers have found that patients with peripheral artery disease or stroke were less likely to receive recommended treatments to prevent heart attack than those with coronary artery disease. All three are types of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Depending on the location of the blockage, atherosclerosis increases the risk for three serious conditions: coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease.

“Our study highlights the need for public health campaigns to direct equal attention to all three major forms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” said senior study author Erin Michos from the Johns Hopkins University in the US.

“We need to generate awareness among both clinicians and patients that all of these diseases should be treated with aggressive secondary preventive medications, including aspirin and statins, regardless of whether people have heart disease or not,” Michos added.

Since atherosclerosis can affect arteries in more than one part of the body, medical guidelines are to treat coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease similarly with lifestyle changes and medication, including statins to lower cholesterol levels and aspirin to prevent blood clots.

What was unclear was if people with stroke and peripheral artery disease received the same treatments prescribed for those with coronary artery disease.

This study compared more than 14,000 US adults enrolled in the 2006-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a national survey of patient-reported health outcomes and conditions, and health care use and expenses.

Slightly more than half of the patients were men, the average age was 65, and all had either coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral artery disease.

These individuals were representative of nearly 16 million US adults living with one of the three forms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Compared to participants with coronary artery disease, participants with peripheral artery disease were twice more likely to report no statin use and three times more likely to report no aspirin use.

Additionally, people with peripheral artery disease had the highest, annual, total out-of-pocket expenditures among the three atherosclerotic conditions.

The findings showed that participants with stroke were more than twice as likely to report no statin or aspirin use.

Moreover, those with stroke were more likely to report poor patient-provider communication, poor health care satisfaction and more emergency room visits.

Hyderabad: Hypertensive individuals run the increased risk of Covid-19 infection and they should take extra precautions like regularly monitoring their blood pressure level, doctors said on World Hypertension Day on Sunday. Hypertensive individuals and increased age are high-risk factors for Covid-19 infection, said Dr Shiva Raju, Senior Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad. He […]

Hyderabad: Hypertensive individuals run the increased risk of Covid-19 infection and they should take extra precautions like regularly monitoring their blood pressure level, doctors said on World Hypertension Day on Sunday.

Hypertensive individuals and increased age are high-risk factors for Covid-19 infection, said Dr Shiva Raju, Senior Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad. He advised such individuals to remain at home, take regular medication for blood pressure, closely monitor BP level at home and ensure a low salt diet – less than 3 grams per day.

Such individuals should also avoid taking more than two coffees per day, avoid alcohol intake and pain killers.

A study shows six per cent of those died of Covid-19 were patients with known hypertension and associated diabetes. The Covid-19 mortality rate for normal patients is two per cent. Patients who are taking ACE inhibitors and ARB may have a higher risk of Covid-19 infection but the evidence is inconclusive.

Dr Meeraji Rao, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, believes that inactive daily routines due to the ongoing lockdown could result in dangerous health conditions, even before the pandemic hits the individual.

It is important that every individual with possible underlying health ailments, take daily readings of blood pressure as this will help monitor fluctuations. A close watch on blood pressure and diabetes levels will help in creating a lifestyle that is best suited to stay healthy.

“During normal days, an individual moves around and has an active life; but it is important for people to stay active and healthy even under lockdown. It is strongly advised that people exercise at least for 2-3 hours every week to ensure their metabolism functions well, and they remain healthy,” he said

The doctor said patients already suffering from hypertension can continue with their earlier medications even during this pandemic while those who have developed high blood pressure during these times must seek expert opinion when it comes to ACE inhibitors and ARB medicines.

“Stress is one major reason people tend to develop hypertension, and the risk of this condition is higher in these times of pandemic and associated lockdown. It is strongly advised that people maintain a healthy sleep cycle to help beat health risks. Hypertension patients need not do vigorous exercise, but can ensure they stay healthy by doing brisk walking for 30 to 60 minutes each day.”

“Hyper Tension…. the word itself explains one of the major cause for it. This is nothing but a condition where one’s blood pressure is beyond 120/80,” explained Dr Saji D’Souza, Chairman and Managing Director, KSAC Group of Hospitals.

Almost every individual will have raised BP due to many factors including loss of elasticity of arteries and veins, atherosclerosis wherein the arteries are blocked with salts/cholesterol etc and stress-induced.

A person who has unpredictable variations and the level of BP going beyond 180/120 need to take medical advice as this might invite stroke, cardiac arrest or even death.

He pointed out that Ayurveda suggests a balanced diet and exercise. Proper excretory and blood circulatory systems keep the body away from not only hypertension but also other diseases. Ayurveda emphasises on good food, exercise and sound sleep for the perfect harmony on one’s own health, he added.

Sydney: Whether it is Mojito or a simple glass of fizz, if you find yourself bingeing on more than a few, you could be putting your physical and mental health at risk because binge drinking can contribute to drunkorexia, say researchers in a study that involved young women. Drunkorexia is a damaging and dangerous behaviour […]

Sydney: Whether it is Mojito or a simple glass of fizz, if you find yourself bingeing on more than a few, you could be putting your physical and mental health at risk because binge drinking can contribute to drunkorexia, say researchers in a study that involved young women.

Drunkorexia is a damaging and dangerous behaviour where disordered patterns of eating are used to offset the negative effects of consuming excess alcohol, such as gaining weight.

After examining the drinking patterns of 479 female Australian university students aged 18-24 years, researchers found that a staggering 82.7 per cent of students surveyed had engaged in drunkorexic behaviours over the past three months.

And, more than 28 per cent were regularly and purposely skipping meals, consuming low-calorie or sugar-free alcoholic beverages, purging or exercising after drinking to help reduce ingested calories from alcohol, at least 25 per cent of the time.

“Due to their age and stage of development, young adults are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, which can include drinking excess alcohol,” said study researcher Alycia Powell-Jones from the University of South Australia.

Excess alcohol consumption combined with restrictive and disordered eating patterns is extremely dangerous and can dramatically increase the risk of developing serious physical and psychological consequences.

The study, published in the journal Australian Psychologist, was undertaken in two stages. The first measured the prevalence of self-reported, compensative and restrictive activities in relation to their alcohol consumption.

The second stage identified participants’ Early Maladaptive Schemes (EMS) – or thought patterns – finding that that the subset of schemas most predictive of Drunkorexia were ‘insufficient self-control’, ’emotional deprivation’ and ‘social isolation’.

The researchers said identifying the early maladaptive schemas linked to drunkorexia is key to understanding the harmful condition.

These are deeply held and pervasive themes regarding oneself and one’s relationship with others that can develop in childhood and then can influence all areas of life, often in dysfunctional ways. Early maladaptive schemas can also be influenced by cultural and social norms.

The findings showed that drunkorexic behaviour appears to be motivated by two key social norms for young adults – consuming alcohol and thinness.

“This study has provided preliminary insight into better understanding why young female adults make these decisions to engage in drunkorexic behaviours,” Powell-Jones said.

New Delhi: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients on dialysis are vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their existing co-morbidities and repeated unavoidable exposure to the hospital environment and immunosuppressed state. This is where home-based dialysis therapy like Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is coming to people’s rescue. Speaking […]

New Delhi: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients on dialysis are vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their existing co-morbidities and repeated unavoidable exposure to the hospital environment and immunosuppressed state. This is where home-based dialysis therapy like Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is coming to people’s rescue.

Speaking to IANS, Dr A.K. Bhalla, Co-Chairperson, Department of Nephrology of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said, “Under the current pandemic situation, patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease are more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to low immunity. Haemodialysis patients have to travel to hospitals at least 2-3 times a week to get their dialysis, exposing themselves to various infections in a healthcare setting.

“As a solution to the current situation, Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) offers dialysis which can be done at home by the patient. There are multiple benefits of PD as therapy but most notably, modern PD enables patients to maintain their lifestyle and independence while offering potentially better clinical outcomes at a substantially minimal cost.”

According to Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP), India has over two million dialysis patients who routinely drive to a dialysis centre especially for haemodialysis, two-three times a week as missing any session could be life-threatening for the patients. This poses a huge challenge in the current nationwide lockdown situation in response to COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Indian government has made significant advancement by introducing Peritoneal dialysis under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) in 2019; there is a dire need of implementing PD in all the states to meet the growing needs of Chronic Kidney Disease patients during COVID-19 who are particularly vulnerable to infection and may exhibit greater variations in clinical symptoms and infectivity.

Dr Sunil Prakash, Senior Director and HOD, Nephrology Department, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, said, “COVID-19 has posed a tremendous challenge in front of the entire nation, especially to the kidney patients. These patients are required to travel to hospitals and clinics for haemodialysis, risking their lives while travelling to the hospitals amidst the deadly virus.

“In many cases, the patients act as a carrier of infections to other people including their near ones and doctors as well. Hence, for the protection of all, patients can opt for Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), which can be done at the convenience and safety of their homes and doesn’t require a frequent visit to hospitals. By following simple steps, hand hygiene, PD can be a safe and ideal solution in the current situation and otherwise.”

London: This news may make coffee-lover men depressed a bit as new research has revealed that women who drink two or three cups of coffee a day have been found to have lower total body and abdominal fat than those who drink less. The study indicated that some compounds in coffee may have anti-obesity properties. […]

London: This news may make coffee-lover men depressed a bit as new research has revealed that women who drink two or three cups of coffee a day have been found to have lower total body and abdominal fat than those who drink less.

The study indicated that some compounds in coffee may have anti-obesity properties.

Overall, the average total body fat percentage was 2.8 per cent lower among women of all ages who drank two or three cups of coffee per day and the findings were consistent whether the coffee consumed was caffeinated or decaffeinated, and among smokers/non-smokers and those suffering from chronic diseases when compared to those in good health.

In men, the relationship was less significant, although men aged 20-44 who drank two or three cups per day had 1.3 per cent less total fat and 1.8 per cent less trunk fat than those who did not consume coffee, according to the study published in The Journal of Nutrition.

“Our research suggests that there may be bioactive compounds in coffee other than caffeine that regulate weight and which could potentially be used as anti-obesity compounds,” said Dr Lee Smith, senior study author from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK.

To reach this conclusion, researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, organised by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, and looked at the relationship between cups of coffee drunk per day, and both total body fat percentage and abdominal or ‘trunk’ fat (adiposity).

They found that women aged 20-44 who drank two or three cups of coffee per day had the lowest levels of adiposity, 3.4 per cent lower than people who did not consume coffee.

Among women aged between 45-69, those who drank four or more cups of coffee had an adiposity percentage of 4.1 per cent lower.

“It could be that coffee, or its effective ingredients, could be integrated into a healthy diet strategy to reduce the burden of chronic conditions related to the obesity epidemic,” said Smith, adding that it is important to interpret the findings of this study in light of its limitations.

Coffee naturally contains a variety of compounds including caffeine, antioxidants and diterpenes. These contribute not only to the unique flavour but also to the well-researched physiological effects of coffee.

London: Researchers have found that levels of two major air pollutants have been drastically reduced since lockdowns began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a secondary pollutant – ground-level ozone – has increased in China. Two new studies, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, found that nitrogen dioxide pollution over northern China, Western […]

London: Researchers have found that levels of two major air pollutants have been drastically reduced since lockdowns began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a secondary pollutant – ground-level ozone – has increased in China.

Two new studies, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, found that nitrogen dioxide pollution over northern China, Western Europe and the US decreased by as much as 60 per cent in early 2020 as compared to the same time last year.

According to the researchers, one of the new studies found that particulate matter pollution (particles smaller than 2.5 microns) has decreased by 35 per cent in northern China.

“Such a significant drop in emissions is unprecedented since air quality monitoring from satellites began in the 1990s,” said study co-author Jenny Stavrakou from the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy in Brussels, Belgium.

The improvements in air quality will likely be temporary, but the findings give scientists a glimpse into what air quality could be like in the future as emissions regulations become more stringent, according to the researchers.

“Although air quality has largely improved in many regions, surface ozone can still be a problem,” said lead author of one of the new studies, Guy Brasseur from the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Germany.

For the findings, Stavrakou and her colleagues used satellite measurements of air quality to estimate the changes in nitrogen dioxide pollution over the major epicentres of the outbreak: China, South Korea, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Iran and the US.

They found that nitrogen dioxide pollution decreased by an average of 40 per cent over Chinese cities and by 20 to 38 per cent over Western Europe and the United States during the 2020 lockdown, as compared to the same time in 2019. However, the study found nitrogen dioxide pollution did not decrease over Iran, one of the earliest and hardest-hit countries.

The authors suspect this is because complete lockdowns weren’t in place until late March and before that, stay-at-home orders were largely ignored. The authors did see a dip in emissions during the Iranian New Year holiday after March 20, but this dip is observed during the celebration every year.The second study looked at air quality changes in northern China where the virus was first reported and where lockdowns have been most strict.

Brasseur analysed levels of nitrogen dioxide and several other types of air pollution measured by 800 ground-level air quality monitoring stations in northern China.

The findings showed that particulate matter pollution decreased by an average of 35 per cent and nitrogen dioxide decreased by an average of 60 per cent after the lockdowns began on January 23. However, the study found the average surface ozone concentration increased by a factor of 1.5-2 over the same time period.

Beijing: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, coupled with a fever or history of exposure to COVID-19, could indicate coronavirus infection in children, according to a new study. Published in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics, the research also suggests that the gastrointestinal symptoms first suffered by some children hint at potential infection through the digestive tract, […]

Beijing: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, coupled with a fever or history of exposure to COVID-19, could indicate coronavirus infection in children, according to a new study.

Published in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics, the research also suggests that the gastrointestinal symptoms first suffered by some children hint at potential infection through the digestive tract, as the type of receptors in cells in the lungs targeted by the virus can also be found in the intestines.

“Most children are only mildly affected by COVID-19 and the few severe cases often have underlying health issues. It is easy to miss its diagnosis in the early stage when a child has non-respiratory symptoms or suffers from another illness,” said study author Dr Wenbin Li from Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China.

“Based on our experience of dealing with COVID-19, in regions where this virus is epidemic, children suffering from digestive tract symptoms, especially with fever and/or a history of exposure to this disease, should be suspected of being infected with this virus,” he continued.

In this study, the research team detail the clinical features of children admitted to hospital with non-respiratory symptoms, which were subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia and COVID-19.

“These children were seeking medical advice in the emergency department for unrelated problems, for example, one had a kidney stone, another a head trauma,” said researchers.

All had pneumonia confirmed by chest CT scan before or soon after admission and then confirmed to have COVID-19. While their initial symptoms may have been unrelated, or their COVID-19 symptoms were initially mild or relatively hidden before their admission to hospital, importantly, four of the five cases had digestive tract symptoms as the first manifestation of this disease.

The researchers also link the children’s gastrointestinal symptoms, which have been recorded in adult patients, to an additional potential route of infection.

“The gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by these children may be related to the distribution of receptors and the transmission pathway associated with COVID-19 infection in humans. The virus infects people via the ACE2 receptor, which can be found in certain cells in the lungs as well as the intestines,” Li said.

This suggests that COVID-19 might infect patients not only through the respiratory tract in the form of air droplets but also through the digestive tract by contact or faecal-oral transmission.

“We report five cases of COVID-19 in children showing non-respiratory symptoms as the first manifestation after admission to hospital. The incidence and clinical features of similar cases need further study in more patients,” the researchers noted.

By highlighting these cases, the researchers hope that doctors will use this information to quickly diagnose and isolate patients with similar symptoms, which will aid early treatment and reduce transmission.

In March, another study from China, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that diarrhoea was a prominent symptom among up to half of the patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan.

London: After several studies revealed that men are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, evidence from a new larger research of several thousand patients shows that men have higher concentrations of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in their blood than women, a molecule that enables the novel coronavirus to infect healthy cells in men. This may help […]

London: After several studies revealed that men are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, evidence from a new larger research of several thousand patients shows that men have higher concentrations of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in their blood than women, a molecule that enables the novel coronavirus to infect healthy cells in men. This may help to explain why men are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than women, according to the researchers.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, also found that heart failure patients taking drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), did not have higher concentrations of ACE2 in their blood.

“Our findings do not support the discontinuation of these drugs in COVID-19 patients as has been suggested by earlier reports,” said study co-author Adriaan Voors from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Some recent research suggested that RAAS inhibitors might increase concentrations of ACE2 in plasma — the liquid part of blood — thereby increasing the risk of COVID-19 for cardiovascular patients taking these drugs.

The current study indicates that this is not the case, although it looked only at ACE2 concentrations in plasma, not in tissues such as lung tissue.

“ACE2 is a receptor on the surface of cells. It binds to the coronavirus and allows it to enter and infect healthy cells after it is has been modified by another protein on the surface of the cell, called TMPRSS2,” Voors said.

“High levels of ACE2 are present in the lungs and, therefore, it is thought to play a crucial role in the progression of lung disorders related to COVID-19,” he added.

For the findings, the researchers measured ACE2 concentrations in blood samples taken from two groups of heart failure patients from 11 European countries.

There were 1,485 men and 537 women in the first group, the index cohort, which was designed to test the researchers’ hypotheses and research questions. Then the researchers validated their findings in the second group of 1,123 men and 575 women, the validation cohort.

The research team assessed the number of clinical factors that could play a role in ACE2 concentrations, including the use of ACE inhibitors, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary artery by-pass graft.

They found that male sex was the strongest predictor of elevated ACE2 concentrations. ACE2 is found not only in the lungs, but also the heart, kidneys and the tissues lining blood vessels, and there are particularly high levels in the testes.

The researchers speculate that its regulation in the testes might partially explain higher ACE2 concentrations in men, and why men are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Last month, the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, found that men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease as compared to women.

Another study from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine showed that males over 50 with non-communicable chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease are at greater risk of death from coronavirus.